Liverpool and Manchester City have both been handed blockbuster group fixtures against 15-time winners Real Madrid after the draw for the 2025–26 Champions League was completed in Monaco.
Paris Saint-Germain, crowned champions of Europe last season after brushing aside Inter Milan in the final, will face Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur in what looks like the competition’s fiercest pool.
Luis Enrique’s side already have recent history with Spurs, having beaten them in the Super Cup earlier this month.
Manchester City must navigate a stern test against Napoli, with former captain Kevin De Bruyne set for an emotional return to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s men also face Bundesliga challengers Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool, meanwhile, will welcome Atlético Madrid back to Anfield alongside Real Madrid in a draw that offers few easy assignments.
Arsenal, back in the elite competition, are set for their own reunion with Harry Kane, who returns to north London with Bayern Munich.
Inter Milan at San Siro and Atlético Madrid add to the Gunners’ challenge, while Diego Simeone’s side will make two trips to England with a visit to Liverpool also scheduled.
Chelsea, fresh from their Club World Cup triumph, face another tough assignment. Enzo Maresca’s side will take on Napoli, bringing Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge, as well as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
The Catalan side under Hansi Flick are desperate to reclaim continental glory, a decade after their last Champions League crown.
